How Do Jehovah’s Witnesses Show Respect for Life?

Jehovah’s people have always endeavored to reflect his view of the sacredness of life. This is why we refuse to support wars or to take the lives of unborn children, and we avoid recklessness that could result in the loss of life. Additionally, Jehovah connects the sacredness of life with blood. In his command to Noah at Genesis 9:4, Jehovah said: “Only flesh with its life—its blood—you must not eat.” Under the direction of holy spirit, the apostles issued a similar command that Christians should abstain from blood:

This means that Christians do not eat blood or unbled meat. But this command is more than a dietary restriction. It is an opportunity for each of God’s servants to reflect Jehovah’s view of life. Obedience to this command includes avoiding the consumption of blood. And since the underlying principle is respect for life, it also includes avoiding bloodguilt caused by murder or by careless or reckless conduct that could result in the loss of life. (Gen. 9:4-6; Ps. 36:9) In all of these areas, Jehovah’s Witnesses have shown a determination to reflect Jehovah’s view that life and blood are sacred.

With regard to blood, Jehovah’s Witnesses have understood Acts 15 to mean they should not consume whole blood, either by mouth or by transfusion, and that they should not donate blood. This position has protected Jehovah’s people spiritually and physically. We have also applied this principle to the four main components of blood—red cells, white cells, plasma, and platelets. Medical science has shown the effectiveness of treatments that avoid blood transfusions and associated risks.

Nevertheless, advances in medical treatments have raised many questions about the application of Bible principles to various health situations. Therefore, the 2026 Governing Body Update #2 stated: “Christians are not under the Mosaic Law. However, we obey the apostolic command to ‘abstain from blood.’ Furthermore, the Bible does not comment on the use of a person’s own blood in medical and surgical care. Therefore, like other choices about health care, each Christian must make his own decision about the use of his own blood in all medical and surgical care.” This Scriptural clarification allows each Christian to do as stated in Galatians 6:5: “Each one will carry his own load.”

After further prayerful consideration, the Governing Body has decided that this same principle applies to the four primary components of whole blood—red cells, white cells, plasma, and platelets—that are derived from another person’s blood.​ Therefore, each Christian must make his own personal decision about the use of these four primary components in all medical and surgical care. Likewise, each Christian must decide whether to donate blood for the clearly expressed purpose of providing components or fractions for use by another person.

Does this mean that the Governing Body views lightly the matter of treatments involving one or more of the primary blood components? No. The Governing Body continues to regard this as a very serious matter. However, since the Scriptures do not comment on the various products that may be derived from blood, the Governing Body recognizes that, in harmony with 1 Corinthians 4:6, it is not authorized to “go beyond the things that are written.” The Governing Body also recognizes the importance of what is stated at 2 Corinthians 1:24: “Not that we are the masters over your faith, but we are fellow workers for your joy, for it is by your faith that you are standing.”

How should a Christian view the matter of accepting or rejecting one or more of the four main components? Each Christian should continue to give prayerful thought to the factors involved before making a decision. Taking this matter lightly could harm a Christian’s conscience and his precious relationship with Jehovah.

What factors could a Christian consider when making a medical decision involving the use of a product derived from another person’s blood? Each Christian will likely reason differently. Some might reject all such products because they believe that taking any part of blood is wrong. Others might accept certain products because they represent a small percentage of whole blood. For example, some components make up a smaller percentage of whole blood than certain fractions that some Christians might already be willing to accept. Whatever the case, Romans 14:12 states: “Each of us will render an account for himself to God.”

To help each of God’s servants to make an informed personal decision, the Governing Body has approved the release of a simple chart, “Products Derived From Whole Blood,” which is available on jw.org. It identifies some of the more common products derived from blood.

After considering these and other factors, each Christian must decide whether or not he will accept a component or fraction derived from another person’s blood. The congregation will not get involved in that decision, and individual Christians should not judge others.a

What if a Christian’s employment involves blood or blood products? The principles in the “Questions From Readers” article in the April 15, 1999, issue of The Watchtower can help him make a wise decision and keep a clean conscience.

What is the main point of this consideration? Jehovah’s Witnesses do not accept transfusions of whole blood, nor do we donate blood that would be used as a whole blood transfusion to another person. We also do not eat blood or unbled meat. However, whether to accept components or fractions derived from another person’s blood is a decision for each Christian to make. Likewise, each Christian must decide whether to donate blood for the clearly expressed purpose of providing components or fractions for use by another person.

Be assured that the Governing Body remains determined to show respect for Jehovah’s precious gifts of life and blood. However, we recognize that each Christian must bear his own responsibility to make conscientious decisions before Jehovah. Therefore, the Governing Body urges all of God’s people to consider prayerfully all factors relevant to their situation when making medical decisions involving products derived from blood. In this way, each Christian can make a decision that leaves him with a clean conscience and shows deep respect for Jehovah, the Source of life.—1 Tim. 1:5.